Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

What Does Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Involve?

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation involves using a device to stimulate the motor neurons that supply your muscle. By doing this, we can cause the muscle fibres to contract. This can help us during your treatment for many things including pain relief, strengthening, preventing disuse atrophy/weakness and more.

If your physiotherapist feels you may benefit from the use of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, then they will discuss this with you. Two electro-pads will be placed on the muscle to be stimulated. Once the machine begins, you will feel the muscle contracting, which can be quite uncomfortable initially.

Are There Any Risks?

This treatment may not be appropriate for certain individuals including:

Those with implanted electronic equipment e.g. pacemakers

Pregnant women in the first trimester

Cardiac Arrythmia

DVT or Artery Dysfunction

This treatment can cause discomfort during application, and you should inform your physiotherapist of any irritation to the skin or worsening of symptoms.

Are There Any Costs?

The electro-pads used will cost £4.50. These pads can be used for multiple treatments.

If you feel a benefit from using neuromuscular electrical stimulation, you may wish to hire or purchase this machine. This is not done through New Victoria Physiotherapy, though we can direct you to places you are able to do this.